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From the heights of Rich Mountain, to the shores of Carters Lake, Gilmer County is a land diverse in outdoor recreation, with a classic old railroad town. The town of Ellijay, located on the west bank of Ellijay River, became the county seat in 1834. Prospecting for gold and logging lead to the arrival of the iron rail in the latter 1800s. Gilmer County is a land of high remote mountains and a large central lowland valley. Bordering Gilmer County to the east is Rich Mountain Wilderness, to the north is the Cohutta Mountain Wilderness. The back country of these two mountain wilderness is unique due to their lack of accessibility by paved roads. Mountain trails, streams and creeks for the sportsmen and women fishing and waterfalls abound in these southern highlands. Rivers like the Ellijay and Cartecay River converge to form the Coosawattee River as it flows southwest and into Carters Lake, a popular recreation lake great for fishing, skiing and boating. The vast valleys of Gilmer County are home to Georgia's very own "Apple Capital." The mild temperatures throughout the year and the rich soil of Gilmer County are idea for apple and peach orchards. The old town square of the town of Ellijay is beautifully accented by old architecture and many downtown shops and eateries. Known as the "Apple Capital of the World," Gilmer County has mountainous regions on three sides, ideal for back country recreation as well as a large lowland valley in the center. This is perfect terrain and climate for the vast apple orchards you'll find there. Fishing, boating and other water recreation are a favorite of Carters' Lake in the southwest corner of Gilmer County. Rich Mountain Wilderness and the Cohutta Wilderness Area, are both located in the northern and eastern section of the Gilmer County within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Fresh water streams, waterfalls and hiking trails thrive in the high mountain regions of these two mountain wildernesses.
The reason both the highway department and the railroad chose this particle route is the natural low terrain that enters the southern highlands through a path into the mountains known as the Murphy Syncline. This low trough begins in the marble quarries of Tate, Georgia, and runs through Gilmer County and into Fannin County, Georgia. Most notably, it divides two large mountain ranges creating an easily traversed doorway into the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. To the northwest you'll find the Cohutta Wilderness Area and to the southeast the Rich Mountain Wilderness. The Rich Mountain Wilderness contains 13,276 acres of primitive back country and wilderness, great for the rugged backpack adventure. The Cohutta Wilderness Area is even more massive. It consists of 36,977 acres within a 95,265 acre Cohutta Wildlife Management Area, making the Cohutta the third largest wilderness in the eastern United States. Carter's Lake provides water recreation while Gilmer's mountain streams and trails draw visitors year 'round. Amicalola Falls, one of the largest set of waterfalls east of the Mississippi River is just 20 miles south of Ellijay. Check out the Highlander's story, "Below the Falls."
Ellijay and East Ellijay: in central Gilmer County. Ellijay became the catalyst of the late 1800's railroad expansion into the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. This wonderfully quaint town filled with antique shops, galleries, dining and a variety of lodging is brimming in historical sites and architecture. The old county courthouse is still there and still operating. The river flows, right through town. Ellijay and East Ellijay are busy little towns with tourism and some local industry, rightfully so, since Gilmer County is the threshold of the southern most reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Mountaintown: don't expect to find a main street in Mountaintown, it is a sleepy backwoods community just northwest of Ellijay. Cherry Log: a crossroads community know for its small lakes, great mountain views and barbecue pork.
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